A 13-episode docuseries for Eastlink Community TV, showcasing the talent and innovation of Nova Scotia's fashion industry.
Solitha “Soli” Shortte is a woman of many talents. Model, coach, creative director. But her true power lies in her ability to see and nurture a spark in others.
Solitha is pursuing her passion and helping others do the same with her company, Soli Productions Management Inc. Solitha shines a light on the beauty of diversity and uses the transformative power of the arts and education to create a vibrant and thriving community in Halifax. Watch as Solitha and her team break down systemic barriers and allow creativity to be the catalyst for change.
FashionablyGREAT was my first project as a story editor for a television series. I began the project in the post-production stage. After combing through hours of interview footage and broll, I constructed a beat sheet for the season's overall narrative arc. I then worked in Reduct to create a paper edit for each 24-minute episode, breaking them into three acts each (allowing for two commercial breaks). I used Reduct to tag recurring themes, categorize quotes by episode, and create reels. Myself and the video editor collaborated to create the full episodes, utilizing Reduct's Premiere Pro plugin. Using Reduct streamlined the process, a necessity given the tight timeline.
In addition to my role as story editor, I wrote each episode title and description, created content and captions for social media posts, and engaged with comments on social media.
Ep 1: Standing Out, Soli Style
Meet Solitha Shortte; model, coach, creative director, and owner of Soli Productions Management. Solitha and her sister, Moashella “Shelly” Shortte, share the story of growing up in the Caribbean and the life they have created in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Solitha describes her complicated relationship with the fashion industry and her plans to make real and lasting change.
Ep 2: Beauty In Belonging
Solitha and her models discuss the limitations and harmful realities of beauty standards within the fashion industry. Solitha shows the behind-the-scenes of a coaching session. Photographer Mitch Valcourt and make-up artists Jamira Berry and Manisha Dhunna describe their journey in finding where they belong.
Ep 3: Where Passion Meets Purpose
Solitha and Shelly break down the connection between the Atlantic Scholarship Organization (ASO) and Soli Productions Management. Preparations begin on the first show for the ASO fundraiser, Fabric of Our DNA. North Preston designer Trevor Silver of tREv Clothing pairs with ASO ambassadors and local community leaders to put on a runway performance at Halifax’s Town Hall.
Ep 4: A New Narrative
Solitha and Rodney Small (One North End) introduce Soli Talent Nyallay Tommy, and explain the importance of role models in the Black community. Later, Solitha meets with Paul MacKinnon from the Downtown Halifax Business Commission to discuss the upcoming events for 2021’s Fabric of Our DNA. The second runway of the season makes a powerful statement, showcasing Afrocentric designer Michnat (Funmi Odeniyi).
Ep 5: Bouncing Back
Model and actress Martina Kelades outline her history with cast stereotyping and her journey with mental health. Solitha and model/actor Ben Deviller drive to Yarmouth and connect with the past. The Soli community come together to celebrate Ben and Martina’s success at the FIN Atlantic International Film Festival.
Ep 6: A Culture of Healing
Dive into the realm of myth and fantasy with designer Kaidain Ivy (Caitlin Coo), who uses fashion as a form of healing. Model Shivani Dhunna explains the importance of visibility and cultural celebration. Dhunna explores the management side of fashion, organising a runway show for her mother’s label, Rubby, collaborating with South Asian jewellery designer Ela and bag designer, Kompanero.
Ep 7: Just Like Magic
Drunk Gurl designer, John Michael Brewer, reflects on the power of a helping hand. A piece of fabric creates a moment of connection and comfort. The Drunk Gurl video shoot bar hops its way across downtown Halifax with music, dancing, and – of course – a slice of Pizza Corner.
Ep 8: Stealing the Show
An unconventional idea sets the stage for a one-of-a-kind runway at Steele Hyundai. Solitha presents her clothing and jewellery line. The spotlight shines bright on the future of Soli Productions.
Ep 9: Family Affair
Soli model/actor Tyree Haley uses his experience and knowledge to cultivate an atmosphere focused on growth and support. Michelle Rober designers Cindy MacNeil and Robbie McGee shoot their Fabric of Our DNA runway show focusing on intersectionality. Models Tyree Haley, Martina Kelades, Shivani Dhunna, and Ben Deviller deepen their bonds during a two-day lifestyle shoot at Fossil Farms.
Ep 10: Celebrating the Win
The designers of 2021’s Fabric of Our DNA do one last fundraising push to raise $2,500 each for the Atlantic Scholarship Organization. COO Cindy MacNeil meets her goal and celebrates in style on the Halifax Waterfront. Everyone comes together to watch the footage of the past year’s hard work in a virtual showcase at Roger’s Square.
Ep 11: Community Care
The up-and-coming talent of Soli Production’s Junior Division discusses their hopes for the future. Soli model and founder of Purple Day, Cassidy Megan, describes living with a chronic health condition and the power of a supportive community. The entire team resets with a wellness retreat at Crystal Crescent to prepare for the final show of the season.
Ep 12: This Is Us
The crew gathers on Barrington Street to celebrate a big win. Rehearsals and final touches for the last show of the season take place. The largest production to date, This Is Us at Grand Parade shows off the incredible passion and talent right here in Nova Scotia.
Ep 13: One Last Look
Soli Productions Management achieved a great deal in 2021. From raising funds for the Atlantic Scholarship Foundation to putting on a variety of shows during a pandemic, revisit the highs of this creative community.
Following the success of FashionablyGREAT, Eastlink Community TV requested a feature length documentary to focus on Solitha's personal journey. Stomp It Out is the story of Solitha Shortte, a former model from a small Caribbean island who realizes the only way to make change in the Fashion Industry is to create her own talent agency that promotes diversity and challenges the current oppressive standards of beauty. Stomp It Out focuses on themes of grief, love, healing, power, loneliness, family, change, beauty, and embodiment.
Stomp It Out aired on March 8, 2023 as part of Eastlink Community TV's International Women's Day programming. For Stomp It Out, my work included:
